Therapeutic Program

This Program is currently being restructured to better meet the needs of our Therapeutic Riders. We hope to have our Therapeutic Program back up & running soon!

If your loved one does not require side-walkers or extra support in the saddle, please call our Lesson Line to schedule an evaluation...

Horse 'N Soul is working hard to be able to offer Therapeutic Horseback Riding to disabled children & adults. This beautiful program enhances the progress of these amazing individuals in so many ways! The science behind how these incredible animals can be used to impact these lives is nothing short of powerful!

Physical Benefits

The horse’s movement provides sensory input of a precise, repetitive pattern of movement, very similar to the movement of a person’s pelvis during the normal human gait. The 3-D movement of the horse’s back simulates the human gait. The horse’s center of gravity shifts forward & backward, up & down, and side to side just as the human’s does. Rotation results as a combination of the three movements. During one complete movement cycle of the horse (4 steps), the rider’s shoulders and pelvis perform a circular movement. Gait variations among different horses will provide varying therapeutic responses. In combination with acceleration

and centrifugal forces that occur as a result of variations in speed and direction, these impulses are major and encourage the following results:

Mobilization of Pelvis, Lumbar Spine & Hip Joints
Normalization of Muscle Tone
Body warmth of the Horse (one degree higher than man) Promotes Muscle Relaxation
Development of Head and Trunk Postural Control
Improves Symmetry
The horse provides strong graded tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular input, which can be used to improve sensorimotor integration.
Facilitates Development of Righting and Equilibrium Reactions
Improves Body Awareness
Improves Spatial Orientation
Improves Endurance
Facilitates Breathing
Positive Effect on Circulation

120 beats/minute at the Walk

140 beats/minute at the Trot

180 beats/minute at the Canter

Positive effect on digestive system

Psychosocial Benefits:

Improves Self Esteem
Improves Confidence
Improves Concentration & Attention Span
Improves Motivation
Increased Responsiveness & Adaptability
Feelings of Euphoria following physical stress

(Direct results of stimulation to the nervous system.)

Effect of Human- Animal Bonding
Improves Group Interaction

Volunteers

Volunteers are priceless to this program, and are our greatest asset! Unfortunately, volunteers are very hard to come by. In order to provide this service to those in need, Horse 'N Soul needs teens & adults who are physically able to walk along side the horse to help support our clients.

If you are interested in donating your time & efforts to this great cause, please keep us in mind when we're back up & running!

Disabilities that benefit from

Physical Therapy on Horseback:

;

Muscular Dystrophy
Cerebral Palsy
Visual Impairments
Down’s Syndrome
Mental Retardation
Autism
Learning Disabilities

Paralysis
Hearing Impairment
Spina Bifida
Emotional Disability
Brain Impaired
Multiple Sclerosis
Amputations